Asclepias 'Gay Butterflies'

Gay Butterflies Butterfly Weed
Asclepias 'Gay Butterflies'

Height: 65-75 cm

Width: 45-60 cm

Zone: 4

Exposure: Sun

Bloom time: Mid to late Summer

Developed from a native North American wildflower, this is an important source of food for Monarch Butterflies. Forms an upright clump of narrow green leaves, bearing showy clusters flowers in mid to late summer in shades of yellow, gold, orange and scarlet. The seed pods that follow are sometimes used in dried arrangements — pick and dry these while still green. Very late to come up in the spring, so mark the spot by planting daffodils or other companion bulbs. Needs well-drained sandy soil.

Description and photo courtesy of Heritage Perennials